Herd sourcing and valuations supporting conversions around NZ

This episode featured in partnership with Carrfields Livestock.

For landowners weighing a move into dairy, finding the right cows is one piece of a wider farm plan.

Carrfields South Island Dairy Coordinator Richard Andrews helps them work out which cows suit their farm and where to find them.

“I like to start new clients that we have on board with a general chat around what they’re looking for,” he says.

Carrfields sources herds, carryover cows and young stock across the North and South Islands, and values dairy stock for new conversions and for farms lifting cow numbers a year or two later.

Every conversion starts from a different place, from established dairy operations expanding to farmers new to the industry.

“Early discussions and decisions need to be made, but they’ve gotta make those decisions as part of the wider plan of the conversion, not just in isolation of buying cows.”

Richard says the cow search gets more focused once the land, pasture, feed supply, stocking rate and budget are understood, and that leaving livestock sourcing late carries a risk.

“The cream doesn’t always rise to the top.”

Richard says conformation, type and stature get a close look by eye, with herd testing records to back up that opinion.

“Within 60 seconds, probably 30 seconds when you walk into a paddock, that’s the herd you’re gonna have a go at or not.”

Richard says production leads the list when a herd is assessed, with health, fertility, frame, capacity, temperament and longevity close behind.

Demand this year is strongest for top-end cows with clean records from generational herds, with those cows selling around $3,000 to $3,500, up from the early $2,000’s over the past couple of years.

“Relative to payout and historical pricing, they’re probably pretty well priced, to be fair.”

Herds come together in different ways. Richard says some converters grow calves through to R2 heifers over several years, and others secure about 60% of the cows they need and watch the market for the rest.

“It’s a dollar each way.”

He says taking new converters around herds of different quality levels is good practice.

“I find that they’ll change their mind once they’ve done it, and then they’ll get the idea.”

The data is new to many converters, and Richard says taking it away for advice from somebody else before committing is a good idea.

“If you’re not sure, put it on hold, come back, and revisit it tomorrow.”

If farmers are considering a dairy conversion, purchasing cows or young stock, arranging a dairy stock valuation, or discussing the options, contact your local Carrfields Livestock representative.

This episode featured in partnership with Carrfields Livestock. To learn more about buying, selling or managing livestock, or to connect with a local livestock specialist, visit carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

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